UAE Stuns Group C as Pakistan and India Miss Cup Semis at Hong Kong Sixes

The United Arab Emirates emerged as the giant-killers of Group C at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 tournament, defeating both Pakistan and India to storm into the Cup semi-finals. The surprising results at the Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok shook up the competition, reshaping the path for the tournament favorites.

UAE captain Khalid Shah played a central role in both historic victories. In their opening match, the UAE successfully chased down a target of 107 against Pakistan on the very last delivery, anchored by Shah's blistering 71 off 20 balls after Abbas Afridi had posted 106 for Pakistan. Following that narrow win, the UAE delivered a dominant performance against India, overhauling a 95-run target in just 4.2 overs without losing a wicket, thanks to an unbeaten 52 off 14 balls from Shah and 39 off 12 balls from Ansh Tandon.

Earlier in the tournament, Pakistan bounced back from their opening-game loss to defeat their arch-rivals India by four wickets. Led by standout performances from Abbas Afridi, who smashed five sixes in a single over, and Khawaja Nafay, Pakistan chased down India's total of 88 in just 3.5 overs. Despite that victory, Pakistan finished second in the group standings after their loss to the UAE.

The group stage outcomes have eliminated both Pakistan and India from contention for the main championship trophy. Because the tournament format features three separate knockout tiers—the Cup, Plate, and Bowl—determined strictly by group standings, tournament organizers confirmed that a rematch between India and Pakistan was impossible once the pool play concluded.

Pakistan finished second in Group C and advanced to the Plate semi-finals to face Hong Kong, where they will compete for a fifth-place finish. Meanwhile, India finished at the bottom of the group following two heavy defeats under the leadership of captain Krunal Pandya, dropping into the Bowl semi-finals to face England for a chance to finish between ninth and twelfth place.

Outside of the on-field action, Pakistan's opening victory over India sparked a wave of social media commentary. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif faced online mockery after posting a congratulatory message celebrating the day-one win with the enthusiasm typically reserved for major international tournaments. Social media users and public figures humorously criticized the framing of the six-a-side match, thrusting the niche competition into broader public attention.

As the tournament moves into its final stages on Saturday, the UAE remains the sole representative from Group C in the hunt for the Cup title, preparing to face Group A winners Australia in the semi-finals.